Battling Juniors Share Spoils

posted 9 Mar 2014, 09:19 by Edenderry GAA

RHODE 2-05

EDENDERRY 1-08

A battling performance by a committed bunch of Reds secured a share of the spoils in this tough encounter in Rhode Sunday Morning. Whilst generally on top in open play Edenderry went in at the break 7 points down but making better use of possession in the second half meant the Reds could have won it in the end, but a draw was probably the fairest result. On a positive note the game marked Adult Football debuts for Damien Sadowski and Lee Hyland, both of whom acquitted themselves well and Lee scored a goal with his first touch.

Edenderry started brightly and Joe Murphy pointed in the 2nd minute. Rhode drew level in the 6th minute but by this time a pattern was emerging in the Edenderry play whereby they were failing to take their chances. When Paddy Lynch struck the butt of post and missed a great chance for a goal and a number of shots dropped short it seemed Edenderry were intend on beating themselves. The failure to kill the ball allowed Rhode to counter attack and only for an excellent safe by Paul Ozzie Cummins Rhode were in for a goal. However within a minute they got their goal and by 11 mins they have 1-2 on the board. It was the 21st min. before Edenderry scored again and with more shots dropping short it was frustrating the under pressure defense and midfield. Rhode were capitalising on the Edenderry errors and bagged another 1-1 before the break to leave the scores Rhode 2-03 Edenderry 0-02 at the 30 min. mark.

The Edenderry players recognised their first half short comings and lined out for the second half with the intention of getting a better return on their work-rate by using possession more efficiently. Offaly Minor Ciaran Farrell was rested for the first half was introduced for Padraig Foy and immediately after the restart Lee Hyland was introduced for David Farrelly. Lee Hyland proceed to make his presence felt as he dispatched a goal with his first touch. Edenderry's confidence grew and they really began to make their work pay off and 4 pointed frees from Ciaran Farrell helped to bring the Reds into it - one free in particular was a real gem with a beautiful curl on the ball. Paddy Lynch and Leslie Nolan added points from play. Rhode only added 2 points in total in the entire second half and this was down to great defensive play from all six backs and the dominance of our midfield.

The Reds were totally on top in the second half and out scored Rhode 1-7 to 0-02. They had chances to win it but overall they were happy with he draw considering it was the first outing of the year. From Paul Ozzie Cummins in goals through James Mackey, Andrew Forde, Stephen Murphy and Johnny Hurst in defense the Reds were best served. Sean Marshall and Mark Young were on top in midfield with Ciaran Farrell, Paddy Lynch and Peter Manley best up front.

With many of the Offaly Minors and U21's unavailable for selection and a number of others injured this group will have a strong panel come Championship.